Two Nevada residents, previously from Minnesota, have been charged with conspiracy to engage in voter registration fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced the charges against Ronnie Williams and Lorraine Lee Combs.
“Election fraud strikes at the heart of our democracy,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Thompson. He praised the FBI for preventing any fraudulent ballots from being cast and emphasized vigilance against crimes threatening democracy.
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis remarked on the importance of fair elections: “Nothing is more central to our democracy than fair and impartially conducted elections.” He added that Williams and Combs attempted to undermine Minnesota's election security, affirming the FBI's commitment to justice.
Court documents reveal that between 2021 and 2022, Williams and Combs conspired to create fictitious identities for Minnesota voter registration applications. They signed forms acknowledging their understanding that providing false information could lead to severe penalties.
Williams submitted these fraudulent registrations through Foundation 1, an organization aimed at registering voters in Minnesota. The foundation unknowingly paid Williams for these registrations, which he shared with Combs.
Williams is set for an arraignment and change of plea hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Laura M. Provinzino on July 8, 2025.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led this investigation, with support from the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, and the Carver County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry M. Jacobs and Trial Attorney Jonathan Jacobson are prosecuting this case.
